Minnesota Twins: 2020 Preseason Top 30 Prospects

No. 10-No. 6

No. 10: Brent Rooker, OF, 1B

Level: AAA

Age: 25

Hit: 50/Power: 65/Run: 50/Arm: 50/Field: 40/Overall: 50

The oldest player on this list, Brent Rooker has the most power of any player in the system. He can hit thirty homers in a season and can hit for a decent average. However, Rooker’s biggest issue is his inability to play defense. No matter which spot you play him in, his defense is a negative. DH is probably the best option, but will he play DH for the Twins or someone else?

OJ: Rooker’s power is excellent. Nothing else is even above-average. I don’t think he’ll make it to the majors for the Twins, likely being traded elsewhere. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 11

BC: Rooker is a good hitter with excellent power. He will hit a lot of bombas if he can get his footwork down at first base or a corner outfield spot. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 8

No. 9: Matt Canterino, RHP

Level: Rookie

Age: 22

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 50/Slider: 60/Changeup: 45/Control: 55/Overall: 55

Matt Canterino was the second round pick for the Minnesota Twins in 2019. He has a solid four-pitch mix with a plus fastball and plus slider. The Twins are bringing him along slowly because he has a lot of innings on him already. However, with strong control, solid pitches, and lots of polish, Canterino could shoot through the system. Puckett’s Pond sat down with him earlier this year.

OJ: I really think Canterino can be special. He won’t be an ace or a star, but he’ll be a very good starter if that changeup continues to develop. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 8

BC: Canterino has high upside starter potential, but his leg mechanics are worrisome when translating to pitching from the stretch. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 10

No. 8: Wander Javier, SS

Level: A

Age: 21

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 55

Wander Javier has always had a very high ceiling, ever since he was signed by the Twins in 2015. Unfortunately, injuries have wiped out a lot of key development time. Javier’s glove and running are already MLB shortstop ready. Now the Twins must wait and see if his bat catches up.

OJ: Javier has Fransisco Lindor level potential. But to reach it, he has to stay healthy and make up for a lot of lost time. I’m not sure he will. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 7

BC: A lot of injury setbacks. His arm is still fantastic. Javier has limitless potential, but he is still very raw. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 9

No. 7: Ryan Jeffers, C

Level: AA

Age: 22

Hit: 45/Power: 55/Run: 30/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 55

Ryan Jeffers has made huge strides since being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2018. His defense and arm are already MLB ready. His power could amount to 25 homers a year. He could make the jump to be Mitch Garver’s backup within the year. If the hit tool improves, don’t be surprised if the two start to split time. Read more about Jeffers here.

OJ: Jeffers could be a top 20 catcher in this league now. If his hitting develops, he could be in the top 10. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 9

BC: He fixed his questionable defense and can hit for power. Will his contact come around in time? He’s the next man up behind the plate. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 6

No. 6: Keoni Cavaco, SS

Level: Rookie

Age: 18

Hit: 50/Power: 55/Run: 60/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 55

The Twins’ first round pick in 2019, Cavaco is an extremely raw, but very athletic, and with the right development could develop into a five-tool player. His running, arm, and defense are all there, and his power is developing nicely. The only question is whether his hit tool rises to the same level.

OJ: If Keoni Cavaco starts to hit for average, he will be a top 15 prospect in the minors. If he develops properly, he will be a star. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 6

BC: Covaco is a five-tool player and will hit the majors someday, but he has some issues to work through on his swing mechanics before he is ready. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 7